Fishing in
Eagle River
Fishing Report
Updated 02/02
Ice conditions have continued to improve and after the cold last week we’re now looking at 18” to 24” throughout the area. We’ve also gotten just enough snow to make snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing happen this winter. That’s more than we can say for last year, and we’re glad for it. Fishing has been a bit of a rollercoaster with the weather, but the general conditions in our area couldn’t be better.
Panfish
Panfish activity has been good, although there have been some variations due to changes in the weather. Perch are still being caught on the deeper edge of weeds using crappie minnows under tip-ups. You’ll find the crappie about as deep as you can go, and they’re best targeted with a tip-down and a rosie red. If that’s not working, jigging is often a great way to rattle some of these fish into hitting. It also makes it easy to search horizontally through the water column. Try tipping a 1/16 oz jig or spoon with a minnow head and jigging high in the column for crappie or dead sticking about 6” from the bottom for bluegill and perch. While the general advice is to look deep, we are still seeing some panfish in water of 10' or less, so that’s always worth a shot, too!
Walleye
Walleye fishing has been really good. The evening bite has been very consistent, with last light and after being really productive. If you’re just out for a few hours, plan on being set up by 4 and staying until after dark. Medium shiners or sucker minnows under tip-ups are working great. Look to set up in about 10 to 15' of water right off any structure. Weed edges are a super place to look for, as you’ll be intercepting the fish coming out of deeper water to feed in the evenings.
Northern
Northern action continues to be good, with fish being caught all day in the weeds using large shiners under a tip-up. If you’re fishing on weed edges for walleye, you’ll probably get some of these guys interested in what you’ve got to offer. Fishing for Northern can be a great way to warm up for the walleye fishing later in the day.
We’re seeing all the “normal” winter activity on the ice now, like vehicles and marked and traveled snowmobile trails. It’s a welcome change from the last couple of years! The fishing this season has been great and while we’d love to see some more snow and a little less wind, the weather has been cooperative. Looks like we’ve got some warmer weather coming this week, so be sure to get out and enjoy it!
Report courtesy of George Langley & Eagle Sports Center
